Wall Street's stock markets fall sharply amid poor US consumer spending data, while a major credit agency puts Washington's rating on "negative watch".

Apple now has more cash to spend than the United States government.

The charity Crimestoppers appeals for help to find 10 criminals thought to be responsible for at least £200m of fraud.

China's central bank governor welcomes measures taken by the US to avert a default on its debt obligations.

Asian stock markets fall, tracking US declines amid fears the global economy is still struggling despite a debt deal in Washington.

Japan's parliament backs a plan to help Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) compensate victims of its tsunami-crippled nuclear plant

The government is set to announce that it will no longer be illegal for Britons to rip music from CDs or movies from DVDs for their own use.

Profits at Societe Generale, France's second-biggest bank, fall after it writes down the value of its Greek assets.